The Swedes have scored the most goals (69) of all teams in the Allsvenskan league. On the European stage, Häcken have had a relatively high number of shots on goal but the conversion rate leaves room for improvement. The team have lost all six games in European competitions in the past and conceded 21 goals (3.5 per game) and only scored three (0.5 per game) along the way.
Meanwhile good omens for the opposition: Bayer 04 have won all three previous games against Swedish clubs in Europe – 1986/87 in the UEFA Cup at home and away to Kalmar FF plus the game on matchday one in the current Europa League campaign against Häcken (4-0). And: The Black and Reds have won all four games in the Europa League this season. A fifth win would be historic as the last time there were five wins in succession in Europe was in the UEFA Cup in 1994/95.
The Swedish league season ended for Häcken three weeks ago. The champions of last season finished third this term and also won the Swedish Cup. As Häcken have not played another game since 12 November, the team prepared for the match against Bayer 04 with a friendly last Friday. The Black and Yellows, at home at the Ullevi in Gothenburg, beat Norwegian second division team Kongsvinger IL 2-1.
Häcken are bottom of the table in Group H of the Europa League with no points to date. All four games ended in defeat, sometimes significantly so. The 4-0 reverse at the Werkself was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Qarabag and most recently two defeats (1-5, 1-3) against Molde. Together with TSC Backa Topola, group opponents for SC Freiburg, Häcken have conceded 13 goals and that is the equal highest of all the 32 teams participating in the competition. The lowdown on the next opponents.
UEFA has appointed the Austrian Julian Weinberger as the referee the match in Gothenburg. The 38-year-old will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Andreas Heidenreich and Maximilian Kolbitsch on the touchlines and another Austrian Walter Altmann is the VAR.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.
Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
Show more
A first for the Werkself: Today, Thursday 15 October (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), Bayer 04 face Lech Poznan for the first time on matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League group. Although the Black and Reds have a flawless record against the only Polish opposition faced before, they must not underestimate the attacking ability and goal-scoring threat of the reigning champions from Poznan. Lech’s squad also includes two former Bundesliga players. Today's matchday news.
Show more
Some 30 years on since their last European fixture in Poland, Bayer 04 cross the border for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase on Thursday (kick-off: 18:45 CEST). Ahead of a first-ever meeting with Lech, head coach Carles Martínez and winger Nathan Tella spoke in Poznan about special memories and objectives.
Show more
The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
Show more
